Optimism and Tragedy in the Grapes of Wrath

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Optimism and Tragedy in The Grapes of Wrath

Historians have noted that works of literature often adopt the mood of the times in which they were written. It is thus not surprising that The Grapes of Wrath, written by John Steinbeck in the desperate nadir of the Great Depression, appears to be a novel of righteous anger and ably communicates the gloomy depths of human sorrow. However, Steinbeck has also interlaced the storyline with threads of cautious optimism and subtle hope. The Grapes of Wrath is not only an expression of the struggle of the dispossessed Okies and Arkies in California, but also a testament to the power and resilience of the human spirit everywhere. To accomplish this goal, Steinbeck imbues the most depressing objects with an aura of optimism, uplifts the utmost tragedies with the greatest results, and has the worst events reveal the greatest character traits. Ultimately, by injecting a deeply spiritual optimism into a bleak tale, he conveys the message that even if evil seems to prevail, there will always be good forces trying to

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fight it. It is in fact because of its resilient and persistent nature that makes good triumph in the end.

Steinbeck's hopeful symbolism is apparent early on in the novel before the reader has even been introduced to all the main characters. The author describes a concrete highway that was "edged with a mat of tangled, broken, dry grass, and the grass heads were heavy with oat beards to catch on a dog's coat" (Steinbeck 19). This jungle by the highway represents the confusion that has enmeshed the nation. In this context, an otherwise pitiful turtle becomes an optimistic symbol, as it embodies the ability of humans to struggle on against adversity. It is able to deflect the barley beards and clover burrs, just as people brush aside their fears. The turtle crawls up the steep embankment even though for every two feet, it covers it slips back one. When a red ant crawls onto its skin, it defends...